30 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2026 try, as a master breeder of Angus genetics, an innovator in beef genetic improvement and a strong advocate and mentor for educating the next generation of industry leaders,” he says. In 2017, Rishel Angus became TD Angus at Rishel Ranch when the operation was sold to Trey and Dayna Wasserburger. The Rishels were introduced to the Wasserburgers by a banker friend who thought they would be a good fit for the transition they had long considered, and deeply desired, to carry on their life’s work. So similar to a young Bill and Barb setting out from New York to Nebraska 42 years prior, Trey Wasserberger tells the story of an extraordinary business succession. “In 2017, we purchased the entire Rishel Angus herd and ranch,” he recalls. “There was never a negotiation. An accomplished, well-respected cattleman turned over his life’s work to a very inexperienced cowboy with nothing more than frank conversations, fearless eye contact and a firm handshake. Bill and Barb made it their business to help BILL RISHEL’S LESSONS FOR SUCCESSFUL RANCHING • Constantly seek wisdom from people you respect. • Do not be afraid to be in the minority vote. • Learn how to accept change when it is predicated on real economic value. • Always base breeding decisions on economically sound principles that will create success for all segments of the industry – with the consumer at the front of the line. BILL RISHEL HONORED WITH 2025 SADDLE & SIRLOIN PORTRAIT AWARD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 value. From this information, the American Angus Association embarked on developing the $Value Index that is criteria for genetic selection today. During the last 60-plus years, Rishel has received numerous honors, held dozens of volunteer leadership roles in state and national beef organizations and education institutions, judged numerous cattle shows and presented many impactful presentations. With his typical candor, Rishel asserts that he is most proud of his wife, Barb, and her partnership in their life journey and businesses, as well as their three married daughters and their daughters’ families. In 2024, he was recognized as the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement Honoree. University of Nebraska Chancellor Emeritus Ronnie D. Green shares that the award recognizes Rishel as an outstanding leader for all of Nebraska. “Bill Rishel has led a life of exceptional servant leadership in the beef indusNebraska friends attending the ceremony include, seated, left to right, Jeff Rudolph, Bill and Laura Dicke and Patty and Mark Goes. Standing are Pat and Martha Simmons. Tom and Laura Field, left and center, and Kelly Bruns, right, are among the many industry professionals – and dear friends – who attended the ceremony. Ronnie Green, Ph.D., emeritus chancellor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, serves as the master of ceremony for Bill Rishel’s induction ceremony. CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
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